CUBS BITS

GM Jim Hendry hints Cubs may not be real active at trade deadline

July 07, 2009|BY PAUL SULLIVAN

General manager Jim Hendry hinted on Monday the Cubs may not do much at the trading deadline, whether the Ricketts family is officially in control of the team or not.

"I've always said I'll wait until the owner is in place to talk about what he may or may not want to do," Hendry said. "At the same time, look at our roster today -- we have a pretty good team. If our guys all play like we're capable of, most of them, you don't have to do a whole lot of things. There aren't a whole lot of places to fit somebody in if we perform the way we're supposed to."

The Cubs have a payroll of just under $140 million and could use some bullpen help, particularly a left-hander. Hendry hasn't spoken to Ricketts about payroll, and while manager Lou Piniella said he has heard Tom Ricketts is a "fine gentleman and will be a really nice owner," he has yet to meet his potential new boss.

"I'm glad to see that things are progressing," Piniella said. "It's a positive thing for this organization. It's been a while (since the team went on sale in 2007). It was good news."

Rotation update: Piniella won't change his rotation for the Cardinals series this weekend. Rich Harden will go on Friday, followed by Ted Lilly on Saturday and Ryan Dempster and Randy Wells in Sunday's day-night doubleheader. Piniella hasn't decided whether Dempster or Wells will pitch in the first game.

Johnson watch: The Cubs won't face another left-handed starter on the homestand, so Reed Johnson may not get into the starting lineup. But when the Cubs do face a lefty, he's likely to replace Kosuke Fukudome in the leadoff spot. Piniella acknowledged after Monday's game that's the plan.

"That's been a spot where I've basically been my whole career," Johnson said. "From college all the way up to the big leagues, I've been in the top two or three spots in the lineup. That's familiar territory for me."

Extra innings: Ryan Freel was dealt to Kansas City for a player to be named later or cash considerations. They have until Oct. 15 to decide which way to go. ... Aaron Heilman has a 1.93 earned-run average since May 28.

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Big number

3

NL teams with a .600 or better winning percentage at home, including the Cubs, who are 25-14 at Wrigley Field.

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Paul Sullivan is blogging on the Cubs all season long at chicagotribune.com/hardball